Nairobi Child Officer Concerned About Struggling Families Having Many Kids They Can't Manage

• Juliana Olayo has expressed concern over financially unstable parents giving birth to more children than they can raise
• She noted that such children struggle with basic needs and are often predisposed to exploitation
• Her sentiments come after a recent incident where neighbours confronted a couple and demanded they stop giving birth to more kids

Juliana Olayo, a child officer in Nairobi, has voiced her concern over the rising trend of large families among impoverished communities.

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Juliana noted the severe consequences this has on children and society.

Fill the world no longer tenable, Juliana

According to her, the number of children exposed to child labour has increased significantly in recent years.

She painted a grim picture of the realities faced by vulnerable families, adding that life is no longer as easy as it was in the past.

"Most of the people giving birth these days are not even adults, and the slums are far worse than they used to be," she started.

She drew attention to the often-quoted Biblical directive to "fill the world," questioning its practicality in the context of limited resources.

Wealthier families have less kids, Juliana

Juliana reiterated that responsible parenthood is not just a moral obligation but an economic necessity.

The officer pointed out that first-world countries with resources control their populations, yet the poor don't.

She observed that wealthier families often have fewer children to ensure they can provide them with the best opportunities in life.

That contrasts sharply with poor parents, who are forced to send their young children to hawk by the roadside just to survive.

"If you got stuck, someone would willingly help educate one child, but not 10," she added.

Time for conversation on family planning

Juliana highlighted the harsh side effects of an uncontrolled population, pointing out that such kids risk being exposed to exploitation.

"You find a child as young as 14 fending for themselves, which leads to early marriages," she warned.

Juliana also touched on the difficulties faced by the government in managing the growing population of street children.

She recalled how, in the past, relatives would take in children from poorer families, but the current economic climate has made this increasingly impossible.

"Family planning is a conversation we need to have," Juliana urged, stressing the importance of considering the changing times.

She concluded by pointing out that the time had come for dialogue on family planning and responsible parenthood to ensure a better future for all children.

Trans Nzoia couple urged to stop giving birth

Her concern comes days after a group of neighbours stormed a Trans Nzoia couple's home and demanded they stop giving birth.

The neighbours lamented that the poor parents already have 10 children and could potentially add more.

Kenyans on social media, however, condemned the villagers' act, adding that the approach was wrong as children are a blessing from God.